ASC Becomes A Varsity Brand!
DURHAM, N.C. , April 16, 2008 – Xpress Brands Incorporated (d/b/a/ All Star Challenge Cheer and Dance National Championships) announced that it has joined the Varsity Brands Inc. (Varsity) ensemble of companies. Varsity is the nation’s largest provider of services and products to the spirit market. In 2000, All Star Challenge was created to cater to a specific and fast growing component of that market -- all star cheerleading and dance. The result is a highly successful and popular National Championship series dedicated specifically to the unique needs and desires of the all star industry.
"All Star Challenge has been the catalyst for change in the way people think a competition should be. By joining forces with Varsity, we can benefit from its global reach and leadership to deliver a more comprehensive, innovative and value laden competition experience for our existing clients and create more opportunities for new programs to discover exactly what ‘uniquely All Star Challenge’ means,” said Don Collins, President and Founder of All Star Challenge. "I'm confident that with this partnership we'll have the flexibility and resources needed to pursue our goal of creating a truly unique competition experience that has our clients coming back event after event.”
“The All Star Challenge team is a highly dedicated group of individuals who have an excellent reputation in the industry," says Jeff Webb, Chief Executive Officer of Varsity. "Our companies share similar values; we both put the safety of our competitors first and are committed to improving their experiences through innovation. Together, we are natural partners to provide the highest level of quality and value to our customers,” added Webb.
“When the acquisition is complete, All Star Challenge will retain its brand identity and will continue to operate its events as it always has,” said Collins. “We will also now be in a position to offer our customers the many benefits that come from being a part of Varsity.”
All Star Challenge will continue to be based in Durham, NC, and All Star Challenge employees will remain with the company. With Varsity's resources, partnerships, and global leadership, All Star Challenge is positioned to build on its success as one of the country’s most popular destinations for all star cheer teams.
For more information contact:
For All Star Challenge: Dennis Worley
Dennis@xpressbrands.com
(919)523-6454
For Varsity Brands: John Newby
Jnewby@varsityspirit.com
(901)387-4382
